Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise and Two Continents Tour

 Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise and Two Continents Tour

Highlights: Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Bazaar), Rustem Pasha Mosque, Bosphorus Cruise, Bosphorus Bridge, Lunch at Camlica Hill, Ortakoy, Dolmabahce Palace.

Istanbul is a city of immense historical and scenic significance, serving as a vital connection between the continents of Asia and Europe. It boasts a rich heritage that can be traced back to the Pagan Culture, with many layers of cultural and religious significance. Several sacred places, such as Hagia Sophia, have been sought after by great empires throughout history, leaving their distinct marks on the city. If you’re looking to unlock the secrets of this beautiful landmark, now is your chance. Once known as Constantinople, Istanbul was the heart and capital of the Ottoman Empire, and is home to an array of cultural treasures, including awe-inspiring mosques like Sultan Ahmet Mosque and Suleymaniye Mosque, the beautiful Maiden’s Tower, and countless works of art from the Ottoman era.

 Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise and Two Continents Tour Itinerary

• In the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel or cruise port at the agreed time. After meeting your tour guide, the tour of Istanbul’s famous spots begins.
• Our first stop is the Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Bazaar, Turkish: Misir Carsisi), a covered marketplace historically filled with goods from Egypt during the Ottoman era.
• Next, we visit the Rustem Pasha Mosque (Rüstem Paşa Camii), designed by the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. Built in 1563 and adorned with exquisite Iznik tiles, this mosque is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture.
• The tour then takes you on a cruise through the Bosphorus, a waterway that separates the continents of Asia and Europe. You’ll have the opportunity to see landmarks like the Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Ciragan Palace, and Rumeli Fortress from the water. The Bosphorus Bridge, a significant suspension bridge connecting Istanbul’s Asian and European sides, is also a highlight of the cruise.
• For lunch, enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine at a restaurant atop Camlica Hill, the highest point in Istanbul located in Uskudar. This spot is known for its natural beauty and has inspired numerous poets and songwriters.
• Ortakoy is our next destination, situated in the middle of the European bank of the Bosphorus. This area is famous for its reputable seaside nightclubs and one of the oldest and most beautiful Turkish Baths, built in 1556 by Mimar Sinan.
• The final stop is the Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahçe Sarayı), the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire between 1856 and 1922. This European-style palace is the largest in Turkey, boasting 365 rooms and 22 salons. It’s also historically significant as the place where Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, spent his last days and passed away.
• After exploring these remarkable sites, we will transport you back to your hotel or cruise port, concluding the tour.

* Please be aware that Dolmabahce Palace is closed to visitors on Mondays and Thursdays. In the event that we are unable to visit the palace, we will instead make a trip to Galata Tower, which is a highly significant and iconic landmark in the city.